Swimming with reef sharks in Wayalailai, Fiji.

Wayalailai Ecohaven resort was second island we visited on our tour of paradise. Located slap-bang in the middle of the Yasawa Island group, it's famed for it's breath-taking viewpoint and authentic Fijian hospitality.
From the sea it's far greener than Barefoot, with steep cliffs rising high above the huts that make up the resort. The water is rougher, and the coral slightly further out to sea, but it's worth donning a snorkel and braving the swim; the schools of fish were huge.

Accomodation 
We stayed in a 5 bed dorm, which was big and comfortable, but had a thatched roof which attracted the biggest spiders I've ever seen. We slept under mosquito nights terrified of bed bugs and other creepy crawlies. The water is a little hit and miss on Wayalailai, the tanks need to be changed every few hours so you often find yourself waiting for showers.

Eating
We were pretty spoilt on Barefoot when it came to food: three course meals and great gluten-free options. Wayalailai was a little lacking when it came to food, and I'm not sure any of us really ate much for the three days we were there. Cereal and fruit for breakfast, a buffet at lunch which was replicated for the evening buffet. Salad, vegetables and a meat dish; no gluten free or veggie options, so make sure if you choose to stay here you bring snacks! There's no happy hour which was a shame, but the drinks behind the bar were cheap and they did make a good G&T.

Activities 
The activities were what really made our experience on Wayalailai. There was loads to do, more than either of the other islands that we visited. On the first day we made our own seashell bracelets down on the beach with some local women from the village.

We then hiked up to the viewpoint which was nothing short of breathtaking. The walk took about an hour and we sweated more than we thought humanly possible, but it was fantastic and worth every step.

On Sunday everyone was invited to dress up nice and visit the church in the village. It was a great experience (if a little long) and the singing was exceptional, real gospel.

On the morning of our final day we went snorkelling with reef sharks. It was one of the best things I did during my whole three month adventure. At one point there were 6 or 7 sharks circling underneath me, and although it was terrifying, it was just incredible.

We had an interesting few days on the island. The activities were great, and we did some amazing things, however the food and accommodation let Wayalailai down. If you're okay with roughing it a little bit, then you'll like it here; it's far more authentic than the other islands, especially with the village nearby. 

On to the next... L, L and A. x

Falling in love with Fiji: Barefoot Island.

Just three hours on the Yasawa Flyer, and you'll find yourself stepping onto the beautiful Barefoot Island to the soundtrack of the traditional Fijian 'welcome song'. Barefoot Island is everything you imagine Fiji to be: deserted white sandy beaches, clear turquoise seas, coral abundant with fish ever colour of the rainbow and sunshine. Lots and lots of sunshine.

Barefoot Island has two beaches about 100 metres apart: sunrise and sunset. This means you can follow the sun throughout the day, watching it rise over the horizon on one side of the island, and drink sundowners in the beach bar as you see it dip down the other side of paradise.

Accommodation
We stayed in a 4 bed 'bure' right on the beach. Clean, comfortable and private, it was pretty perfect. Cracks in the shutters gave us views over sunrise beach, and the cooling evening winds kept the mossys away. Toilets and showers were just across the path but were well lit in the evenings and hot water was available 24/7.

Food
Fresh fruit, pancakes and coffee are on the menu every morning in the simple continental breakfast  buffet. At lunch you'll sit down to a pasta based meal, that's pretty bloody tasty but a little carb-heavy for mid-day; request gluten free if you struggle like us. The evenings were the culinary highlight, with a three course, al-a-carte meal served every night in the beachside restaurant.

Soup to start, then mains including chicken curry and beef stir-fry. For afters there is always cake, and who doesn't love cake. Happy hours take place every day from 6pm, and you can get afternoon tea (which is literally just tea and coffee) at 4pm in the restaurant every day.

Activities
The staff on Barefoot Island were literally the friendlies people I've ever met; always bending over backwards to help and so keen to make sure everyone is having the best time. Barefoot is small though, so activities are limited, but the island runs a programme every day so there is always something to do.

The snorkelling was top notch. Hire your equipment from the shop for $5 per half-day and swim from one beach, round the headland, to the other side. It's beautiful.
A brief 20 minute hike into the island's jungle and you'll find yourself at a pretty impressive viewpoint, overlooking manta ray island opposite.
Every day the dive team offer 'pool splash' opportunities for those that are keen to try out diving but unable to afford the full course.

We got kitted up in all the gear and paddled around in the shallows of the beach for a half an hour; it was great fun. Harder than I thought it would be, and clearly not something that someone with a lung condition should be doing. But, I'm glad we tried it.
Volleyball matches are played every day at 5.30pm, and you can join the sunset tubing if you fancy a drink on the water.

We loved Barefoot; it was where our love affair with Fiji started. The people, the place, the food, it was top-notch and I can't recommend it enough.